United States military leadership from Fort Carson, Colorado and NORAD & US NorthCom will come together August 18-20 in support of the largest Veterans event of it’s kind in the western United States.

Command members from Fort Carson Colorado will join several Civilian VIP’s as they lead the 30th annual POW/MIA Recognition Ride from Woodland Park to Cripple Creek. Garrison Commander Colonel Ron Fitch, Command Sergeant Major David Burton, Division CSM Rick Ayala, and Lt. Col. Ric Brown (4th Infantry Division Chaplain) are all avid motorcyclists and will act as the co-Grand Marshalls for the Recognition Ride’s 30th anniversary. Joining this elite group of warriors will be Mr. Michael Lowrimore, Project Manager for Fransen Pittman General Contractors, and Mr. Steve O’Brien of O’Brien Concrete Pumping along with the color guards from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Assn and the Kansas American Legion Riders.

Lowrimore has a special connection to the event as his Father is one of the names on the Vietnam WALL. His company, Fransen Pittman stepped up this year to sponsor the WALL’s appearance after funding was cut for the feature. O’Brien also rose to the occasion as his company also sponsored the WALL.

Fort Carson Garrison Commader Fitch and his CSM David Burton lead the POW ride in 2016, and were impressed by the whole effort. “It was an absolute honor for my Command Sergeant Major and I to ride and participate in this event. The Salute to American Veterans is THE most impressive rally that I have ridden in, to include Rolling Thunder. Although Rolling Thunder is much larger, this event had a more personal touch when it comes to honoring our Veterans, their service and their impact on our Nation.”

CSM Burton had this to say, “I have been to many rallies all across the country but this was the best by far. Seeing patriotism and support of service through the eyes of the community that we all serve was a great reminder of how lucky we are as a Nation to have this camaraderie and togetherness.”

United States Marine Colonel Robert “Bubba” Salasko, Director of Operations at the US NorthCom Command Center will also attend the 2017 Veterans Rally, and will take part in the presentation of a specially built motorcycle to Warrior Amputee Gunnery Sergeant Chris Claude who lost his leg in an IED attack in the Middle East. Salasko will be accompanied by a crew of fellow Marines.